Verdict
Paralegal and Tax Preparer are effectively tied on AI exposure (90 vs 88). Choose on pay, interest and entry cost — not on automation risk.
Finance & Legal
90 /100
Supports lawyers with research, drafting and document review.
Full risk profile →Finance & Legal
88 /100
Prepares and files tax returns for individuals and businesses.
Full risk profile →| Metric | Paralegal | Tax Preparer |
|---|---|---|
| AI Fear Score | 90/100 | 88/100 |
| Risk band | High risk | High risk |
| Automation probability | 94% | 99% |
| LLM task exposure | 86% | 75% |
| Median pay (BLS) | $60,000 | $49,000 |
| US workers | 360,000 | 85,000 |
| Timeline | 1–4 years — LLMs excel at discovery, summarizing and first drafts. | 1–3 years for simple returns; complex/advisory work persists. |
The usual pivots that reuse your experience while cutting exposure: Lawyer (with JD), Compliance specialist. See the full plan →
They're effectively tied: Paralegal scores 90/100 and Tax Preparer scores 88/100 on our AI exposure scale.
Paralegal pays more at the median: $60,000 vs $49,000 (BLS May 2024).
Scores are estimates, not predictions — two research anchors applied to task mixes, with BLS May-2024 wages and employment. Not career advice.